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Instruction: Stretch-Side Hammock

A while back I posted about my Stretch-Side Hammock Mod. This time I figured I'd provide instructions for building a stretch-side hammock from scratch.

The idea behind the stretch-side is to use bungees to create a footbox, to keep your top quilt or sleeping bag from falling out, while at the same time allowing you to sit comfortably on the edge of the hammock without over stressing seams or being uncomfortable.

I built two of these the other day and one months ago.. Making it out of 1.9oz material worked best. Doing sewing machine button holes in 1.1oz proved difficult. Maybe there's a better way?

I use 5/32" two part eyelets - NOT the one piece eyelets that look like a rough star on the back of the fabric. These are smooth on both sides of the fabric so there's no snagging. Small shock cord goes through smoothly. They are available at Hancocks with a plier type of setter, which I find MUCH easier than hammering an anvil type setter. It was a great use of a 40% off coupon.

And for the weight watchers, a set of eyelets doesn't even register on a gram scale.

I use a channel that runs the full length of the side, so buttonholes are unnecessary. It works fine with 1/8" shock cord, but it can be made lighter by using about 30" of shock cord connected to a lighter weight line.

Alternatively, a "button hole" can be made by sewing a 1" piece of webbing or grosgrain to the hammock and burning a small hole in it with a soldering iron. (Do this before you fold the fabric over and sew the channel.)